A bill that will make it easier for people to carry guns and obtain long-term carry permits has passed the Alabama Senate and waits action in the House. Alabama law enforcement officials and gun violence experts are strongly opposed to the bill. They believe it will lead to more gun violence.

Do you agree?

Also, the U.S. Senate may take up several measures this week, including a bipartisan bill to expand background checks for people who purchase firearms to gun shows and the Internet. Under current law, only the nation's 55,000 licensed gun dealers have to perform background checks on purchasers. Also on the Senate agenda are long-shot bills to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

How does that sound?

Talk it over with Pulitzer Prize-winner Joey Kennedy during his weekly live chat Tuesday at 1 p.m. via the comments section. Kennedy, a community engagement specialist with AL.com and The Birmingham News, will be joined by his colleague Edward Bowser. Anybody can join the lively discussion if they get a free account from AL.com. Sign up here.

The chat will go on for about an hour, but readers can continue commenting for as long as they wish. Join the fun and tell Kennedy what you think. You can be sure he'll tell you what he thinks.